Dear Moore community:
As a new variant and a new wave of COVID-19 infections impacts Philadelphia and the rest of the country, our focus remains on the health and safety of our community, including all students, faculty and staff. To date, the College has instituted regulations that follow trends and best practices for public health and safety, and will continue to do so as the situation evolves.
It is clear, with the rising prevalence of the Omicron variant, that the College’s original vaccine requirement is no longer enough. As a result, Moore College of Art & Design will now require a COVID-19 booster vaccination for all current students, faculty and staff, excluding those with previously documented medical or religious/faith-based exemptions. We are acting upon a request from the City of Philadelphia’s Health Commissioner and following suit with a growing number of higher education institutions across the country.
Boosters will be required for all eligible students, faculty and staff by Tuesday, February 1, or within 30 days of becoming eligible, in accordance with CDC guidance.
Students, faculty and staff who will become eligible on or after February 1 should plan to receive their booster within 30 days of eligibility.
Students will have to provide a new copy of their updated vaccination card, with evidence of booster status, to healthservices@moore.edu. Please DO NOT provide any medical information in addition to the card.
Faculty and staff will have to provide a new copy of their updated vaccination card, with evidence of booster status, to rphillips@moore.edu. You can also bring a printed copy to her office on the second floor of Wilson Hall. Please DO NOT provide any medical information in addition to the card.
How do you know when you’re eligible for a booster? Follow these guidelines:
- If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you’re 16 years in age or older, and if at least six months have passed since completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. You may choose from any of the authorized COVID-19 booster vaccinations.
- If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible for a booster if you’re 16 years in age or older, and if at least two months have passed since completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. You may choose from any of the authorized COVID-19 booster vaccinations.
As we have previously shared, boosters are becoming increasingly important in the fight against COVID-19, as studies have shown that a vaccine’s protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time. Vaccines and boosters remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of additional variants. More information about booster shots can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Once again, I wish you a restful, safe and healthy winter break, and look forward to seeing you in 2022.
With gratitude,
Cecelia Fitzgibbon
